Iolans will have the opportunity to bust a move on the town square. Power Up Iola is hosting its first fundraiser in the community with a Stoplight Dance from 9 to 11 p.m. May 16.
The dance will be on the east side of the square between Madison Avenue and East Street. Those who are in a relationship are encouraged to wear red, if it’s “complicated” wear yellow and singletons are to wear green.
“We wanted something exciting and fun for our first fundraiser,” Power Up member Elyssa Jackson said. “We had a dance like this at my university and people here really liked the idea.”
Power Ups are 21- to 39-year-olds who live in rural areas. Power Ups enjoy things like the ability to know your neighbors, commute to work with no traffic, being able to shop in local stores and have community engagement. The newly formed Iola organization is trying to raise funds to help out in the community.
To enter the event dance-goers must purchase a wristband for $5. The wristband comes in handy after the dance. Local bars, Scooters and 5 O’clock Somewhere, will have exclusive drink specials for those wearing the stoplight wristband.
Wristbands will be available at the dance or can be purchased at Around the Corner, Class Act and Fifty 50. These stores are managed or owned by Power Up age people.
“That’s what is important to me, supporting Power Up-age business owners and managers,” Jackson said. “I want to help support them in their business ventures.”
During the dance people will have the opportunity to participate in a 50/50 raffle and a prize raffle.
“Local businesses have donated merchandise, meals and other excursions for the raffle,” Jackson said. “The community response to our group has been overwhelming.”
T-shirts in red, yellow and green with the Rural by Choice symbol will be available for $12.
POWER UP Iola will have a booth at the Farmer’s Market on May 15. People can stop by and learn more about the organization and get a picture with the Rural by Choice sign.
Jackson said the group is trying to become very involved in the community. They will host the ice cream social on July 10 at the Municipal Band concert and have started helping out the Iola Theatre Restoration.
“If anyone has a volunteer opportunity for our group they should let us know,” Jackson said.
Power Up Iola has a website, powerupiola.wix.com/ruralbychoice, and Facebook page.
